Anterior cruciate ligament substituting knee implants

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides knee prostheses that replicate at least a portion of the function of an individual patient&#39;s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). An exemplary knee prosthesis includes a femoral component configured to be implanted on the distal end of the patient&#39;s femur and a tibial component configured to be implanted on the proximal end of the patient&#39;s tibia. In extension, the femoral component and the tibial component may cooperate to limit anterior movement of the tibial component relative to the femoral component. In flexion, the femoral component may be free to rotate relative to the tibial component.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/323,380, entitled “Anterior Cruciate Substituting Knee Implants,” filed Apr. 13, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to prosthetic implants and, specifically, to anterior cruciate ligament substituting knee implants.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a natural knee joint, the distal end of the femur articulates against the proximal end of the tibia. The knee joint is supported by various ligaments, including the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). These ligaments stabilize the knee joint while at rest in full extension. Also, these ligaments cooperate to control the complex movements of the knee joint during flexion and extension. The PCL originates medially on the distal femur and attaches to the posterior side of the proximal tibia to resist posterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur. The ACL, on the other hand, originates at the distal femur and attaches to the anterior side of the proximal tibia to resist anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur.

During flexion and extension of the knee joint, the ligaments of the knee joint work in concert with the meniscus and the geometry of the femur and tibia to effect rotation of the femur about an axis that is offset in a medial direction relative to the center of the knee joint. As a result, the lateral femoral condyle travels along an arcuate path across the proximal tibia, while the medial femoral condyle maintains a relatively central position on the proximal tibia.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, a natural knee joint is shown in various degrees of flexion and extension.

The knee joint is shown in full extension in FIGS. 1-3. When the knee joint is in extension, femur 10 and tibia 12 are aligned such that, from the side view of FIG. 1, femur 10 and tibia 12 extend along a substantially straight line. In this position, medial and lateral condyles 14, 16, of femur 10 are positioned atop medial and lateral portions 18, 20, of tibial plateau 22, respectively. Ovals 28, 30, of FIG. 2 depict the contact area of medial and lateral femoral condyles 14, 16, respectively, upon tibial plateau 22. As shown, contact areas 28, 30, of medial and lateral femoral condyles 14, 16, are generally centered atop tibial plateau 22. Contact areas 28, 30, of medial and lateral femoral condyles 14, 16, have sufficient length L and width W to provide stability to the knee joint when in extension. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, intercondylar eminence 24 of tibial plateau 22 extends proximally into intercondylar notch 26 of femur 10 to provide additional stability to the knee joint. In this position, the ACL (not shown) resists anterior translation of the tibia 12 relative to the femur 10.

The knee joint is shown in mid-flexion in FIGS. 4 and 5. Specifically, the knee joint is bent such that femur 10 is rotated relative to tibia 12 by approximately 45°. As the knee joint moves into mid-flexion, the femur 10 rotates about an axis A that is medially offset from a centerline of the knee joint. Therefore, contact area 30′ of lateral femoral condyle 16 advances posteriorly from full extension to mid-flexion, as shown in FIG. 5 by comparing the contact area 30 in full extension (shown in phantom) with the contact area 30′ in mid-flexion (shown in solid lines). Also, contact area 30′ of lateral femoral condyle 16 advances posteriorly relative to contact area 28′ of medial femoral condyle 14. Additionally, as the knee joint moves into mid-flexion, contact areas 28′, 30′, decrease in length L′ and width W′, because the radius of curvature of medial and lateral femoral condyles 14, 16, decreases posteriorly both in a plane parallel to a sagittal plane (e.g., along length L) and in a coronal plane (e.g., along width W).

The knee joint is shown in a state of increased flexion in FIGS. 6 and 7. Specifically, the knee joint is bent such that femur 10 is rotated relative to tibia 12 by another 45°, with femur 10 and tibia 12 forming an angle of approximately 90° therebetween. As the knee joint continues to bend, the femur 10 continues to rotate about axis A. Therefore, contact area 30″ of lateral femoral condyle 16 advances posteriorly from mid-flexion to full flexion, as shown in FIG. 7 by comparing the contact area 30′ in mid-flexion (shown in phantom) with the contact area 30″ in full flexion (shown in solid lines). Additionally, as the knee joint continues to bend, contact areas 28″, 30″, decrease further in length L″ and width W″. The reduced size of contact areas 28″, 30″, eases the ability for femur 10 to rotate relative to tibia 12 about axis A.

Because the lateral femoral condyle 16 travels further across tibial plateau 22 than medial femoral condyle 14, tibia 12 rotates relative to femur 10 during flexion and extension. As the knee joint flexes from full extension (FIG. 2) to mid-extension (FIG. 5), tibia 12 rotates internally relative to femur 10. Conversely, as the knee joint extends from mid-extension (FIG. 5) to full extension (FIG. 2), tibia 12 rotates externally relative to femur 10. This external rotation of tibia 12 tightens the ligaments of the knee joint and “locks” the knee joint against further rotation to stabilize the knee joint in full extension. This behavior of the knee joint when reaching full extension is known as the “screw home mechanism.”

When a normal knee joint becomes damaged and knee arthroplasty is required, it may be necessary to sacrifice ligaments of the knee joint, including the ACL. However, without the ACL, it may be difficult to recreate the stability and the complex movements of the natural knee joint. For example, without the ACL, the tibia may translate anteriorly relative to the femur. Also, without the ACL, the lateral femoral condyle may not rotate about a medially offset axis.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides knee prostheses that replicate at least a portion of the function of an individual patient's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The knee prostheses of the present disclosure may also accommodate a healthy, functional posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). An exemplary knee prosthesis includes a femoral component configured to be implanted on the distal end of the patient's femur and a tibial component configured to be implanted on the proximal end of the patient's tibia. In extension, the femoral component and the tibial component may cooperate to limit anterior movement of the tibial component relative to the femoral component. In flexion, the femoral component may be free to translate and/or rotate relative to the tibial component.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a knee prosthesis is provided that articulates between a substantially extended position and a flexed position. The knee prosthesis includes an axis that is medially offset from a center of the knee prosthesis. The knee prosthesis further includes a femoral component including a medial condyle and a lateral condyle and a tibial component including a medial surface sized to receive the medial condyle of the femoral component and a lateral surface sized to receive the lateral condyle of the femoral component. The femoral and tibial components are more constrained against at least one of the following movements when the knee prosthesis is in the substantially extended position than when the knee prosthesis is in the flexed position: a rotational movement of the femoral component relative to the tibial component about the axis; an anterior movement of the tibial component relative to the femoral component; and a lateral movement of the femoral component relative to the tibial component, whereby the knee prosthesis resists at least one of the rotational movement and the anterior movement to a greater extent when the knee prosthesis is in the substantially extended position than when the knee prosthesis is in the flexed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a lateral, elevational view of a left knee joint in full extension, the knee joint formed between a femur and a tibia;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the tibia of FIG. 1 depicting the area of contact between the tibia and the femur in full extension;

FIG. 3 is an anterior, elevational view of the knee joint of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a lateral, elevational view of the knee joint of FIG. 1 in early flexion;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the tibia of FIG. 4 depicting the area of contact between the tibia and the femur in early flexion;

FIG. 6 is a lateral, elevational view of the knee joint of FIG. 1 in a state of further flexion;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the tibia of FIG. 6 depicting the area of contact between the tibia and the femur in the state of further flexion;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary knee prosthesis in full extension, the knee prosthesis including a femoral component and a tibial component;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the tibial component of FIG. 8 depicting the area of contact between the tibial component and the femoral component in full extension;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the knee prosthesis in early flexion;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the tibial component of FIG. 10 depicting the area of contact between the tibial component and the femoral component in early flexion;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the knee prosthesis in a state of further flexion;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the tibial component of FIG. 12 depicting the area of contact between the tibial component and the femoral component in the state of further flexion;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary knee prosthesis in full extension;

FIG. 15 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the knee prosthesis of FIG. 14, taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing the knee prosthesis in early flexion;

FIG. 17 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the knee prosthesis of FIG. 16, taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary knee prosthesis in full extension;

FIG. 18A is a partial, cross-sectional view of the knee prosthesis of FIG. 18, taken along line 18A-18A of FIG. 18;

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 showing the knee prosthesis in early flexion;

FIG. 19A is a partial, cross-sectional view of the knee prosthesis of FIG. 19, taken along line 19A-19A of FIG. 19;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary knee prosthesis in full extension;

FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 20 showing the knee prosthesis in early flexion;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary knee prosthesis in full extension;

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 showing the knee prosthesis in early flexion;

FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 23 showing the knee prosthesis in a state of further flexion;

FIG. 25 is a medial cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary knee prosthesis in full extension;

FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25 showing the knee prosthesis in early flexion;

FIG. 27 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the knee prosthesis of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 27 showing the knee prosthesis in early flexion;

FIG. 29 is a plan view of a tibial component of yet another exemplary knee prosthesis;

FIG. 30 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the tibial component of FIG. 29, taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 29, the knee prosthesis including a femoral component in early flexion relative to the tibial component;

FIG. 31 is a view similar to FIG. 30 showing the knee prosthesis in full extension, taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a tibial component of yet another exemplary knee prosthesis;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the tibial component of FIG. 32, taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a medial, elevational view of a femoral component for use in conjunction with the tibial component of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the femoral component of FIG. 34, taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the femoral component of FIG. 34, taken along line 36-36 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the femoral component of FIG. 34. taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of still yet another exemplary knee prosthesis in full extension;

FIG. 39 is a view similar to FIG. 38 showing the knee prosthesis in early flexion;

FIG. 40 is a plan view of a tibial component of yet another exemplary knee prosthesis;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of a femoral component for use in conjunction with the tibial component of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the tibial component of FIG. 40, taken along line 42-42 of FIG. 40, and the femoral component of FIG. 41, taken along line 42-42 of FIG. 41;

FIG. 42A is an alternative cross-sectional view of the tibial component of FIG. 40, taken along line 42-42 of FIG. 40;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the tibial component of FIG. 40, taken along line 43-43 of FIG. 40;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the tibial component of FIG. 40, taken along line 44-44 of FIG. 40;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of still yet another exemplary knee prosthesis in full extension;

FIG. 46 is a view similar to FIG. 45 showing the knee prosthesis in early flexion;

FIG. 47 is a lateral, elevational view of still yet another exemplary knee prosthesis in full extension, the knee prosthesis including a femoral component and a tibial component;

FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of the knee prosthesis of FIG. 47, taken along line 48-48 of FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a top plan view of the tibial component of FIG. 47, taken along line 49-49 of FIG. 47;

FIG. 50 is a bottom plan view of the femoral component of FIG. 47, taken along line 50-50 of FIG. 47;

FIG. 51 is a lateral, elevational view of still yet another exemplary knee prosthesis in full extension, the knee prosthesis including a femoral component and a tibial component;

FIG. 52 is a top plan view of the tibial component of FIG. 51, taken along line 52-52 of FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is a bottom plan view of the femoral prosthesis of FIG. 51, taken along line 53-53 of FIG. 51;

FIG. 54 is a medial cross-sectional view of still yet another exemplary knee prosthesis in full extension;

FIG. 55 is a view similar to FIG. 54 showing the knee prosthesis in early flexion;

FIG. 56 is a top plan view of still yet another exemplary knee prosthesis in full extension; and

FIG. 57 is a top plan view of the knee prosthesis of FIG. 56 in early flexion.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-7, the natural knee joint is supported by various ligaments, including the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). These ligaments work in concert with the meniscus and the geometry of the femur and tibia to effect rotation of femur 10 about a medially offset axis A relative to tibia 12. Also, the ACL, in particular, resists anterior translation of tibia 12 relative to the femur 10.

In certain cases, the ACL must be sacrificed. The knee joint prostheses of the present disclosure function to replicate at least one of the beneficial aspects of the ACL. When the knee joint is located in full extension or somewhere between full extension and early flexion (also referred to herein as “substantially extended positions”), the knee joint prostheses of the present disclosure may be arranged in a first configuration that is more restricted to movement. For example, the knee joint prostheses of the present disclosure may resist anterior translation of tibia 12 relative to the femur 10 in the first configuration. As another example, the knee joint prostheses of the present disclosure may limit rotation of tibia 12 relative to femur 10 in the first configuration. However, when the knee joint flexes beyond early flexion, the knee joint prostheses of the present disclosure may be arranged in a second configuration that is less restricted to movement.

The point at which the knee joint prosthesis transitions from the first, more restricted configuration to the second, less restricted configuration may vary depending on the needs of particular patients. For example, in certain embodiments, the knee joint prosthesis may enter the second, less restricted configuration at approximately 10°, 20°, or 30° of knee flexion (i.e., early flexion), such that the knee joint prosthesis is arranged in the first, more restricted configuration in the substantially extended positions of 0° of knee flexion (i.e., full extension) up to approximately 10°, 20°, or 30° of knee flexion (i.e., early flexion). It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration may occur gradually, such as over 5°, 10°, or more, of knee flexion.

Referring to FIGS. 8-13, an exemplary knee prosthesis 40 is shown. Knee prosthesis 40 includes femoral component 42 and tibial component 44. Femoral component 42 and tibial component 44 are implanted onto femur 10 and tibia 12, respectively, in a known manner.

Femoral component 42 of knee prosthesis 40 includes an anterior patello-femoral flange 46, medial condyle 48, and an opposing lateral condyle (not shown). Optionally, femoral component 42 may also include crossbar 50. Crossbar 50 extends between medial condyle 48 and the opposing lateral condyle of femoral component 42. Crossbar 50 is spaced apart from the distal-most end 52 of patello-femoral flange 46 and cooperates with patello-femoral flange 46 to define opening 54 therebetween. As shown in FIG. 8, opening 54 is sized for receipt of projection 56 therein, which extends proximally from tibial component 44. In one exemplary embodiment, the distal-most end 52 of patello-femoral flange 46 and/or distal wall 66 of crossbar 50 are slanted distally in an anterior-posterior direction to define a funnel-shaped opening 54 therebetween.

Tibial component 44 of knee prosthesis is shown in FIG. 9. Tibial component 44 includes medial articulating surface 58 and lateral articulating surface 60. Medial and lateral articulating surfaces 58, 60, are formed in a traditional manner as generally concave surfaces. Projection 56 is positioned between medial and lateral articulating surfaces 58, 60, of tibial component 44 and extends proximally and slightly posteriorly from the proximal surface of tibial component 44. In one exemplary embodiment, projection 56 terminates proximally at curved end 62 and includes partially curved anterior wall 64. To accommodate the patient's PCL, tibial component 44 may include posterior cutout 68.

With the knee joint in extension, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, projection 56 of tibial component 44 is received within opening 54 of femoral component 42. If tibia 12 were forced anteriorly relative to femur 10 in this extended position, anterior wall 64 of projection 56 would abut the distal-most end 52 of patello-femoral flange 46 to limit anterior movement of tibia 12 relative to femur 10. Also, if tibia 12 were forced posteriorly relative to femur 10 in this extended position, projection 56 would abut crossbar 50 to limit posterior movement of tibia 12 relative to femur 10.

As the knee joint reaches early flexion, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the curved proximal end 62 of projection 56 may slide across the slanted, distal wall 66 of crossbar 50. By maintaining contact between projection 56 and crossbar 50 during early flexion, femur 10 is prevented from sliding anteriorly relative to tibia 12, and tibia 12 is prevented from sliding posteriorly relative to femur 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, patello-femoral flange 46, projection 56, and/or crossbar 50 may interact to drive rotation of femoral component 42 relative to tibial component 44 about a medially offset axis A. For example, the shape and/or orientation of patello-femoral flange 46, crossbar 50, and/or projection 56 may vary in a medial-lateral direction to force the lateral condyle (not shown) of femoral component 42 to rotate about axis A. As a result, during flexion of the knee joint, contact area 47′ of the lateral condyle of femoral component 42 advances posteriorly from full extension to early flexion, as shown in FIG. 11 by comparing the contact area 47 in full extension (shown in phantom) with the contact area 47′ in early flexion (shown in solid lines). By modifying the shape and/or orientation of patello-femoral flange 46, crossbar 50, and/or projection 56, the rotation and posterior movement of femoral component 42 and tibial component 44 relative to one another can be correspondingly modified.

As the knee joint enters a deeper state of flexion, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, projection 56 may be freed from opening 54 between crossbar 50 and patello-femoral flange 46. In this flexed position, projection 56 may no longer contact crossbar 50. Once projection 56 is freed from opening 54, the relative movement between femoral component 42 and tibial component 44 becomes uninhibited. Therefore, in one exemplary embodiment, femoral component 42 may be free to rotate naturally about axis A relative to tibial component 44. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, knee prosthesis 40 may incorporate some of the additional concepts disclosed herein to continue to drive rotation of femoral component 42 relative to tibial component 44 about axis A.

As the knee joint returns to extension, as shown in FIG. 8, curved proximal end 62 of projection 56 may slide back across the slanted, distal-most end 52 of patello-femoral flange 46 and/or the slanted, distal wall 66 of crossbar 50. Then, once curved proximal end 62 of projection 56 reaches the end of the distal-most end 52 of patello-femoral flange 46 and/or the distal wall 66 of crossbar 50, femoral component 42 may snap back into place atop tibial component 44. As discussed above, opening 54 may be funnel-shaped (i.e., wider at its distal end than at its proximal end) so that projection 56 is encouraged to find and enter the distal end of opening 54 as the knee joint returns to extension. As projection 56 moves toward the proximal end of opening 54, the narrowing of opening 54 helps maintain tibial component 44 in place relative to femoral component 42.

Another exemplary knee prosthesis 40′ is shown in FIGS. 56 and 57, with knee prosthesis 40′ being similar to knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13 and with like reference numerals identifying like elements. The illustrative crossbar 50′ of knee prosthesis 40′ extends along axis C′, which deviates from medial-lateral axis ML′. With the knee joint in extension, as shown in FIG. 56, projection 56′ abuts patello-femoral flange 46′ to screw home and lock femoral component 42′ in internal rotation relative to tibial component 44′. With the knee joint in early flexion, as shown in FIG. 57, femoral component 42′ is able to rotate relative to tibial component 44′ about the medially offset axis A′. As femoral component 42′ rotates, projection 56′ substantially disengages the patello-femoral flange 46′ and instead abuts crossbar 50′. As the knee joint enters a deeper state of flexion, projection 56′ may be entirely freed from opening 54′ between patello-femoral flange 46′ and crossbar 50′ (See, e.g., FIG. 12). As discussed above with respect to knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the shape and/or orientation of patello-femoral flange 46′ and/or projection 56′ may vary in addition to or instead of crossbar 50′.

Referring next to FIGS. 14-17, another exemplary knee prosthesis 70 is shown. Knee prosthesis 70 includes femoral component 72 and tibial component 74. Femoral component 72 and tibial component 74 are implanted onto femur 10 and tibia 12, respectively, in a known manner. Knee prosthesis 70 may incorporate features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13 and/or knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57.

Tibial component 74 of knee prosthesis 70 may be formed in a traditional manner and includes medial and lateral articulating surfaces 76, 78, and tibial eminence 80 located therebetween. Femoral component 72 of knee prosthesis 70 may also be formed in a traditional manner and includes an anterior patello-femoral flange 82 and medial and lateral condyles 84, 86, respectively. However, unlike known femoral prostheses, medial and lateral condyles 84, 86, of femoral component 72 have, in a posterior direction, a progressively decreasing width and a progressively decreasing medial-lateral radius of curvature.

With the knee joint in extension, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the portion of medial and lateral condyles 84, 86, of femoral component 72 that contacts medial and lateral articulating surfaces 76, 78, of tibial component 74 (i.e., the portion intersected by line 15-15 in FIG. 14) has a relatively large medial-lateral radius of curvature R and a relatively large width W. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, medial and lateral condyles 84, 86, of femoral component 72 substantially match the medial-lateral curvature of medial and lateral articulating surfaces 76, 78, of tibial component 74. Also, medial and lateral condyles 84, 86, of femoral component 72 extend substantially entirely across medial and lateral articulating surfaces 76, 78, of tibial component 74. In this extended position, the close, constrained fit between femoral component 72 and tibial component 74 prevents relative rotation between the components.

With the knee joint in flexion, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the portion of medial and lateral condyles 84, 86, of femoral component 72 that contacts medial and lateral articulating surfaces 76, 78, of tibial component 74 (i.e., the portion intersected by line 17-17 in FIG. 16) has a relatively small medial-lateral radius of curvature R′ (i.e., less than radius R) and a relatively small width W′ (i.e., less than width W). Therefore, the contact area between femoral component 72 and tibial component 74 decreases from the extended position (FIG. 15) to the flexed position (FIG. 17). In the flexed position, the loose fit between femoral component 72 and tibial component 74 enables relative rotation between femoral component 72 and tibial component 74. For example, femoral component 72 may be free to rotate relative to tibial component 74 about axis A without impinging upon tibial eminence 80. Rather than changing the size or shape of both medial and lateral condyles 84, 86, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that only one condyle, such as lateral condyle 86, may change size or shape. In this embodiment, medial condyle 84 may maintain close conformity with tibial component 74 to produce a medial camming action, while lateral condyle 86 may decrease in width W′ and/or medial-lateral curvature R′ to achieve a loose fit with tibial component 74 and to enable rotation about axis A.

Beyond the flexed position of FIGS. 16 and 17, medial and lateral condyles 84, 86, of femoral component 72 may continue to decrease in width and medial-lateral curvature. Therefore, as femoral component 72 continues to bend posteriorly relative to tibial component 74, rotating femoral component 72 relative to tibial component 74 about axis A may become progressively easier.

Referring next to FIGS. 18-19, yet another exemplary knee prosthesis 90 is shown. Knee prosthesis 90 includes femoral component 98 and tibial component 92. Femoral component 98 and tibial component 92 are implanted onto femur 10 and tibia 12, respectively, in a known manner. Knee prosthesis 90 may incorporate features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57, and/or knee prosthesis 70 of FIGS. 14-17.

Femoral component 98 of knee prosthesis 40 includes an anterior patello-femoral flange 96, medial condyle 93, and an opposing lateral condyle 91. Patello-femoral flange 96 includes a distal-most end 95.

Tibial component 92 of knee prosthesis 90 includes projection 94 that extends proximally from the medial-lateral midpoint of tibial component 92, as shown in FIG. 18A. Projection 94 includes anterior wall 97. As shown in FIG. 18, projection 94 is spaced slightly anteriorly of the anterior-posterior midpoint of tibial component 92. Because projection 94 terminates before reaching the posterior-most end of tibial component 92, projection 94 may avoid interfering with a patient's PCL.

With the knee joint in extension, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 18A, anterior wall 97 of projection 94 abuts the distal-most end 95 of patello-femoral flange 96 to limit anterior movement of tibia 12 relative to femur 10. Also, projection 94 extends between medial and lateral femoral condyles 93, 91, to limit rotational movement of femoral component 98 relative to tibial component 92.

With the knee joint in flexion, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 19A, the distal-most end 95 of patello-femoral flange 96 may disengage anterior wall 97 of projection 94. Also, femoral component 98 may translate posteriorly behind protrusion 94, allowing femoral component 98 to rotate naturally relative to tibial component 92 about axis A without substantially impeding upon protrusion 94.

Referring next to FIGS. 20 and 21, yet another exemplary knee prosthesis 110 is shown. Knee prosthesis 110 includes femoral component 112 and tibial component 114. Femoral component 112 and tibial component 114 are implanted onto femur 10 and tibia 12, respectively, in a known manner. Knee prosthesis 110 may incorporate features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57, knee prosthesis 70 of FIGS. 14-17, and/or knee prosthesis 90 of FIGS. 18-19.

Lateral condyle 116 of femoral component 112 includes projection 118 having arcuate end 120 that extends distally from lateral condyle 116. Lateral articulating surface 124 of tibial component 114 includes a corresponding recess or opening 122 that is sized to receive projection 118 from femoral component 112. As shown in FIG. 20, opening 122 is defined by posterior wall 126 and ramped surface 128 of tibial component 114. In certain embodiments, projection 118 and opening 122 may be formed at the outermost, lateral edge of femoral component 112 and tibial component 114. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that a similar projection 118 and a corresponding opening 122 may be formed on a medial condyle (not shown) of femoral component 112 and a medial articulating surface (not shown) of tibial component 114, instead of or in addition to those features formed on lateral condyle 116 and lateral articulating surface 124.

With the knee joint in extension, as shown in FIG. 20, posterior wall 126 of opening 122 in tibial component 114 abuts projection 118 of femoral component 112 to limit anterior movement of tibia 12 relative to femur 10. Then, as the knee enters a state of flexion, as shown in FIG. 21, projection 118 travels along ramped surface 128 to exit opening 122. Once in this flexed position, femoral component 112 and tibial component 114 may move relative to one another in a natural, unobstructed manner.

Referring next to FIGS. 22-24, an alternative embodiment knee prosthesis 110′ is shown. Unlike opening 122 of knee prosthesis 110 which includes ramped surface 128 (FIGS. 20-21), opening 130 of knee prosthesis 110′ lacks a ramped surface. In this embodiment, opening 130 includes opposing sidewalls 132, 134, that cooperate to define opening 130.

With the knee joint in extension, as shown in FIG. 20, sidewalls 132, 134, of tibial component 114′ abut projection 118′ of femoral component 112′ to limit anterior and posterior movement of tibia 12 relative to femur 10. As the knee joint begins to enter a state of flexion, as shown in FIG. 23, projection 118′ contacts anterior wall 132 of tibial component 114′, which may force lateral condyle 116′ of femoral component 112′ in a posterior direction to a greater extent that the medial condyle (not shown) of femoral component 112′. Therefore, anterior wall 132 of tibial component 114′ may drive rotation of femoral component 112′. As the knee joint continues to bend, as shown in FIG. 24, projection 118′ may withdraw from opening 130 and, as a result, femoral component 112′ and tibial component 114′ may move relative to one another in a natural, unobstructed manner. Although projection 118′ is described as being formed on lateral condyle 116′ of femoral component 112′ to induce translation and/or rotation of lateral condyle 116′, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that projection 118′ may be formed on a medial condyle (not shown) of femoral component 112′, instead of or in addition to lateral condyle 116′. In either location, projection 118′ may encourage anterior movement of femoral component 112′ when the knee joint transitions from flexion (FIG. 24) to extension (FIG. 22).

Referring to FIGS. 25-28, yet another exemplary knee prosthesis 140 is shown. Knee prosthesis 140 includes femoral component 142 and tibial component 144, which may be a mobile bearing tibial component. Femoral component 142 and tibial component 144 are implanted onto femur 10 and tibia 12, respectively, in a known manner. Knee prosthesis 140 may incorporate features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57, knee prosthesis 70 of FIGS. 14-17, knee prosthesis 90 of FIGS. 18-19, knee prosthesis 110 of FIGS. 20 and 21, and/or knee prosthesis 110′ of FIGS. 22-24.

The medial side of knee prosthesis 140 is shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. Specifically, the medial side of knee prosthesis 140 includes medial condyle 146 of femoral component 142 and medial articulating surface 148 of tibial component 144. The medial side of knee prosthesis 140 may be in the shape of a traditional cruciate-retaining prosthesis.

The lateral side of knee prosthesis 140 is shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. Specifically, the lateral side of knee prosthesis 140 includes lateral condyle 150 of femoral component 142 and lateral articulating surface 152 of tibial component 144.

The lateral side of knee prosthesis 140 differs from the medial side of knee prosthesis 140. Specifically, lateral articulating surface 152 of tibial component 144 includes a first, anterior section 154 and a second, posterior section 156 separated by inflection point 158. In one exemplary embodiment, both anterior portion 154 and posterior portion 156 define substantially concave articulating surfaces. In another exemplary embodiment, anterior portion 154 defines a substantially concave or flat articulating surface, while posterior portion 156 defines a ramped articulating surface.

When the knee joint is in extension, as shown in FIG. 27, lateral condyle 150 of femoral component 142 may conform to the shape of anterior portion 154 of lateral articulating surface 152. For example, anterior portion 154 of lateral articulating surface 152 may define a concave pocket that cradles lateral condyle 150 of femoral component 142. Femoral component 142 will be held in this extended position until femoral component 142 is able to roll up and over inflection point 158.

As the knee joint enters a state of flexion, as shown in FIG. 28, lateral condyle 150 of femoral component 142 rolls across posterior portion 156 of lateral articulating surface 152. Posterior portion 156 of lateral articulating surface 152 may be sloped or curved to drive lateral condyle 150 in a posterior direction across tibial component 144. Because medial condyle 146 remains substantially in place on medial articulating surface 148 (FIG. 26), posterior portion 156 of lateral articulating surface 152 drives rotation of femoral component 142 relative to tibial component 144.

Referring to FIGS. 29-31, yet another exemplary knee prosthesis 160 is shown. Knee prosthesis 160 may incorporate features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57, knee prosthesis 70 of FIGS. 14-17, knee prosthesis 90 of FIGS. 18-19, knee prosthesis 110 of FIGS. 20 and 21, knee prosthesis 110′ of FIGS. 22-24, and/or knee prosthesis 140 of FIGS. 25-28.

Femoral component 162 of knee prosthesis 160 includes medial and lateral condyles 166, 168. Medial wall 184 of medial condyle 166 and lateral wall 186 of lateral condyle 168 cooperate to define a substantially triangular shaped opening 182 therebetween.

Tibial component 164 of knee prosthesis 160 includes medial and lateral articulating surfaces 170, 172. Tibial eminence 174 extends from tibial component 164 between articulating surfaces 170, 172. As shown in FIG. 31, anterior portion 176 of tibial eminence 174 has a substantially triangular cross-section. As shown in FIG. 30, posterior portion 178 of tibial eminence 174 has a rounded cross-section. Transition portion 180 of tibial eminence 174 extends between anterior portion 176 and posterior portion 178. Transition portion 180 provides for a gradual transition between the substantially triangular cross-section of anterior portion 176 and the rounded cross-section of posterior portion 178. In an anterior to posterior direction, from anterior portion 176, to transition portion 180, to posterior portion 178, tibial eminence 174 decreases in height H and flattens out (i.e., increases in radius of curvature). As a result, the sharp point on anterior portion 176 of tibial eminence 174 gradually fades away toward posterior portion 178 of tibial eminence 174.

With the knee joint in extension, as shown in FIG. 31, anterior portion 176 of tibial eminence 174 conforms tightly to the shape of opening 182 in femoral component 162. The close, constraining fit between femoral component 162 and tibial component 164 prevents relative rotation between the components.

With the knee joint in flexion, as shown in FIG. 30, posterior portion 178 of tibial eminence 174 avoids medial and lateral walls 184, 186, of femoral component 162. In this flexed position, the loose fit between femoral component 162 and tibial component 164 enables natural rotation between the components. For example, femoral component 162 may be free to rotate relative to tibial component 164 about axis A without impinging on tibial eminence 174. The loose fit between femoral component 162 and tibial component 164 may also be achieved by decreasing the width and/or the medial-lateral radius of curvature of medial and lateral condyles 166, 168, in flexion, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 17.

As the knee joint reenters extension, as shown in FIG. 31, anterior portion 176 of tibial eminence 174 may contact either or both walls 184, 186. This contact between femoral component 162 and tibial component 164 may center and align the components as they reenter extension. For example, medial and lateral walls 184, 186, will guide tibial eminence 174 into opening 182 until medial and lateral condyles 166, 168, of femoral component 162 are spaced atop and evenly situated upon medial and lateral articulating surfaces 170, 172, of tibial component 164, respectively. In this manner, tibial eminence 174 cooperates with walls 184, 186, to drive femoral component 162 into a centered or home position when the knee joint is in extension.

Referring next to FIGS. 32-37, yet another exemplary knee prosthesis 190 is shown. Knee prosthesis 190 includes femoral component 200 (FIG. 34) and tibial component 202 (FIG. 32). Knee prosthesis 190 may incorporate features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57, knee prosthesis 70 of FIGS. 14-17, knee prosthesis 90 of FIGS. 18-19, knee prosthesis 110 of FIGS. 20 and 21, knee prosthesis 110′ of FIGS. 22-24, knee prosthesis 140 of FIGS. 25-28, and/or knee prosthesis 160 of FIGS. 29-31.

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, tibial component 202 of knee prosthesis 190 includes lateral articulating surface 204 and medial articulating surface 206. Lateral articulating surface 204 may be formed in any desired manner. For example, lateral articulating surface 204 may be flat, concave, or sloped. Medial articulating surface 206 includes concave outer section 208 having a first radius of curvature and concave inner section 210 having a second radius of curvature. In one exemplary embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 33, the second radius of curvature of concave inner section 210 is substantially less than the first radius of curvature 208 of concave outer section 208. As a result, concave inner section 210 forms a depression in medial articulating surface 206 relative to concave outer section 208.

As shown in FIGS. 34-37, femoral prosthesis 200 of knee prosthesis 190 includes medial condyle 212 and lateral condyle 214. As shown, lateral condyle 214 may be formed in a traditional manner and have a substantially consistent radius of curvature. In contrast, medial condyle 212 includes projection 216 that defines an area of increased thickness on the posterior portion of lateral condyle 214. In an anterior plane (FIG. 35), medial and lateral condyles 212, 214, have substantially similar cross-sections. In a more posterior plane (FIG. 36), projection 216 extends from medial condyle 212 such that medial condyle 212 is substantially increased in thickness compared to lateral condyle 214. In a further posterior plane (FIG. 37), the thickness of medial condyle 212 is decreased slightly, but projection 216 still provides medial condyle 212 with an increased thickness over lateral condyle 214.

In use, medial condyle 212 of femoral component 200 is designed to conform with medial articulating surface 206 of tibial component 202. For example, in extension, medial condyle 212 contacts shallow, outer articulating portion 208 of medial articulating surface 206 of tibial component 202. As the knee enters flexion, projection 216 of medial condyle 212 enters concave inner surface 210 of medial articulating surface 206 of tibial component 202. Specifically, projection 216 is sized such that the outer surface of projection 216 that is in contact with concave inner surface 210 during knee joint flexion is highly conforming to the wall defining concave inner surface 210 of articulating surface 206. As the knee joint continues through flexion, the interaction of projection 216 with concave inner surface 210 of articulating surface 206 may, depending on the configuration of concave inner surface 210, cause a camming action that drives rotation of femoral component 200 relative to tibial component 202 about a medially offset axis A. Specifically, projection 216 and inner surface 210 may be designed to drive rotation of lateral condyle 214 of femoral component 200 about a medially offset axis that extends through concave inner surface 210.

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, yet another exemplary knee prosthesis 220 is shown. Knee prosthesis 220 includes femoral component 222 and tibial component 224. Knee prosthesis 220 may incorporate features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57, knee prosthesis 70 of FIGS. 14-17, knee prosthesis 90 of FIGS. 18-19, knee prosthesis 110 of FIGS. 20 and 21, knee prosthesis 110′ of FIGS. 22-24, knee prosthesis 140 of FIGS. 25-28, knee prosthesis 160 of FIGS. 29-31, and/or knee prosthesis 190 of FIGS. 32-37.

As shown in FIG. 38, femoral component 222 of knee prosthesis 220 includes medial condyle 226, patello-femoral flange 228, a lateral condyle (not shown), and crossbar 230 that extends between medial condyle 226 and the lateral condyle. Tibial component 224 of knee prosthesis 220 includes tibial eminence 232 that projects proximally from the anterior portion of tibial component 224. The illustrative crossbar 230 has a substantially circular cross-section and is configured to rest atop tibial eminence 232 of tibial component 224. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that crossbar 230 and/or tibial eminence 232 may change shape and/or orientation in a medial-lateral direction to force the lateral condyle (not shown) of femoral component 222 to rotate about axis A. For example, crossbar 230 and/or tibial eminence 232 may be conical in shape in the medial-lateral direction. Tibial eminence 232 includes a substantially concave upper surface 234 having a radius of curvature that is slightly greater than the radius of crossbar 230.

With the knee joint in extension, as shown in FIG. 38, crossbar 230 rests atop upper surface 234 of tibial eminence 232. To reduce wear of tibial eminence 232, crossbar 230 may hover slightly above the concave upper surface 234 when the knee joint is in extension, abutting the anterior and posterior ends of upper surface 234 of tibial eminence 232 only when necessary to limit anterior and posterior movement of tibia 12 relative to femur 10. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that crossbar 230 may fit snugly against tibial eminence 232 for more constraint against anterior and posterior movements. In addition to limiting anterior and posterior movements of tibia 12 relative to femur 10 when the knee joint is in extension, crossbar 230 and tibial eminence 232 may also cooperate to limit rotation of tibia 12 relative to femur 10.

As the knee enters flexion, as shown in FIG. 39, crossbar 230 separates from upper surface 234 of tibial eminence 232. In this flexed position, femoral component 222 and tibial component 224 may move relative to one another in a natural, unobstructed manner. For example, the remaining ligaments in the knee joint may drive rotation of femoral component 222 relative to tibial component 224.

Referring to FIGS. 40-44, yet another exemplary knee prosthesis 238 is shown. Knee prosthesis 238 includes tibial component 240 (FIG. 40) and femoral component 242 (FIG. 41). Knee prosthesis 238 may incorporate features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57, knee prosthesis 70 of FIGS. 14-17, knee prosthesis 90 of FIGS. 18-19, knee prosthesis 110 of FIGS. 20 and 21, knee prosthesis 110′ of FIGS. 22-24, knee prosthesis 140 of FIGS. 25-28, knee prosthesis 160 of FIGS. 29-31, knee prosthesis 190 of FIGS. 32-37, and/or knee prosthesis 220 of FIGS. 38 and 39.

As shown in FIGS. 40 and 42, tibial component 240 of knee prosthesis 238 includes medial and lateral articulating surfaces 244, 246. In a coronal plane, medial articulating surface 244 is more concave than lateral articulating surface 246. While medial articulating surface 244 forms a substantially concave surface, lateral articulating surface 246 forms a substantially planar surface that slants downwardly in a medial direction toward tibial eminence 248. For example, tibial component 240 has a height H₁ along its lateral edge and a height H₂ that is less than height H₁ near tibial eminence 248. Lateral articulating surface 246 also forms a generally arcuate path 247 about a medially offset axis A. Tibial component 240 may include posterior cutout 249 that is sized to receive the retained posterior cruciate ligament.

As shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, femoral component 242 of knee prosthesis 238 includes medial condyle 250 and lateral condyle 252. The medial-lateral radius of curvature of medial condyle 250 is substantially similar to the medial-lateral radius of curvature of medial articulating surface 244 of tibial component 240. Lateral condyle 252 has an articulating surface that is slanted, with or without a slightly concave curvature, in a manner that allows the articulating surface of lateral condyle 252 to maintain contact with lateral articulating surface 246 of tibial component 240.

When the knee joint is in an extended position, as shown in FIG. 42, the lateral height H₁ of lateral articulating surface 246 may exceed the medial height H₂ of lateral articulating surface 246. In this embodiment, femoral component 242 may be biased medially toward tibial eminence 248 and toward the medially offset axis A. In other words, the tall lateral edge of tibial component 240 (along lateral height H₁) may constrain lateral movement of femoral component 242 relative to tibial component 240. As shown in FIG. 42, the central height H₃ of lateral articulating surface 246 exceeds the central height H₄ of medial articulating surface 248 to further bias femoral component 242 medially toward the medially offset axis A. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 42A, that the central height H₃′ of lateral articulating surface 246′ may be approximately equal to the central height H₄′ of medial articulating surface 248′.

As the knee joint enters into flexion, femoral component 242 will roll back in a posterior direction. As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the lateral height H₁ of lateral articulating surface 246 may decrease in a posterior direction (i.e. posterior to section line 42-42 of FIG. 40) such that femoral component 242 is less constrained against lateral movement in the flexed position (FIGS. 43 and 44) than in the extended position (FIG. 42). This transition may occur gradually, with lateral articulating surface 246 gradually decreasing in slope until reaching a substantially horizontal surface or a slightly concave surface, as shown in FIG. 44.

Referring next to FIGS. 45 and 46, yet another exemplary knee prosthesis 260 is shown. Knee prosthesis 260 includes femoral component 262 and tibial component 264. Knee prosthesis 260 may incorporate features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57, knee prosthesis 70 of FIGS. 14-17, knee prosthesis 90 of FIGS. 18-19, knee prosthesis 110 of FIGS. 20 and 21, knee prosthesis 110′ of FIGS. 22-24, knee prosthesis 140 of FIGS. 25-28, knee prosthesis 160 of FIGS. 29-31, knee prosthesis 190 of FIGS. 32-37, knee prosthesis 220 of FIGS. 38 and 39, and/or knee prosthesis 238 of FIGS. 40-44.

Tibial component 264 of knee prosthesis 260 includes projection 266 extending upwardly therefrom between medial articulating surface 268 and an opposing lateral articulating surface (not shown). Projection 266 includes convex recess 270 formed therein.

Femoral component 262 of knee prosthesis 260 includes patello-femoral flange 272, medial condyle 274, and a lateral condyle (not shown). Crossbar 276 extends between medial condyle 274 and the lateral condyle of femoral component 262. The illustrative crossbar 276 has a substantially circular cross-section and is sized for substantially conforming receipt within recess 270 of projection 266. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that projection 266 and/or crossbar 276 may change shape and/or orientation in a medial-lateral direction to force the lateral condyle (not shown) of femoral component 262 to rotate about axis A.

With the knee joint in extension, as shown in FIG. 45, crossbar 276 is received within recess 270 of projection 266 in a substantially conforming relationship. Projection 66 abuts crossbar 276 to prevent anterior movement of tibia 12 relative to femur 10.

As the knee joint reaches a state of flexion, as shown in FIG. 46, crossbar 276 disengages from projection 270. In this flexed position, femoral component 262 and tibial component 264 may move relative to one another in a natural, unobstructed manner. For example, the remaining ligaments in the knee joint may drive rotation of femoral component 262 relative to tibial component 264.

Referring next to FIGS. 47-50, yet another exemplary knee prosthesis 280 is shown. Knee prosthesis 280 includes femoral component 282 and tibial component 284. Knee prosthesis 280 may incorporate features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57, knee prosthesis 70 of FIGS. 14-17, knee prosthesis 90 of FIGS. 18-19, knee prosthesis 110 of FIGS. 20 and 21, knee prosthesis 110′ of FIGS. 22-24, knee prosthesis 140 of FIGS. 25-28, knee prosthesis 160 of FIGS. 29-31, knee prosthesis 190 of FIGS. 32-37, knee prosthesis 220 of FIGS. 38 and 39, knee prosthesis 238 of FIGS. 40-44, and/or knee prosthesis 260 of FIGS. 45 and 46.

Femoral component 282 of knee prosthesis 280 includes lateral condyle 288 and projection 286 extending from a lateral-most side of lateral condyle 288. Tibial component 284 of knee prosthesis 280 includes lateral articulating surface 292 and recess 290. Projection 286 of femoral component 282 is sized and shaped for receipt within recess 290 of tibial component 284.

With the knee joint in extension, as shown in FIG. 48, projection 286 is received within recess 290 to limit movement of femur 10 relative to tibia 12. However, as the knee joint enters flexion, projection 286 exits from recess 290, allowing femoral component 282 and tibial component 284 to move relative to one another in a natural, unobstructed manner.

Referring next to FIGS. 51-53, still yet another exemplary knee prosthesis 300 is shown. Knee prosthesis 300 includes femoral component 302 and tibial component 304. Knee prosthesis 300 may incorporate features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57, knee prosthesis 70 of FIGS. 14-17, knee prosthesis 90 of FIGS. 18-19, knee prosthesis 110 of FIGS. 20 and 21, knee prosthesis 110′ of FIGS. 22-24, knee prosthesis 140 of FIGS. 25-28, knee prosthesis 160 of FIGS. 29-31, knee prosthesis 190 of FIGS. 32-37, knee prosthesis 220 of FIGS. 38 and 39, knee prosthesis 238 of FIGS. 40-44, knee prosthesis 260 of FIGS. 45 and 46, and/or knee prosthesis 280 of FIGS. 47-50.

Knee prosthesis 300 may be substantially similar to knee prosthesis 280 of FIGS. 47-50. However, unlike knee prosthesis 280 of FIGS. 47-50, knee prosthesis 300 of FIGS. 51-53 includes a plurality of projections 306 extending from lateral condyle 308 of femoral component 302 and a plurality of recesses 310 formed in lateral articulating surface 312 of tibial component 304. By providing a plurality of projections 306 and corresponding recesses 310, knee prosthesis may lock in place in the extended position as long as any one of the projections 306 engages an adjacent recess 310. Therefore, knee prosthesis 300 may provide some flexibility in the relative positions of femoral component 302 and tibial component 304, while still achieving a stable extended position.

Referring finally to FIGS. 54 and 55, still yet another exemplary knee prosthesis 320 is shown. Knee prosthesis 320 includes femoral component 322 and tibial component 324. Knee prosthesis 320 may incorporate features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57, knee prosthesis 70 of FIGS. 14-17, knee prosthesis 90 of FIGS. 18-19, knee prosthesis 110 of FIGS. 20 and 21, knee prosthesis 110′ of FIGS. 22-24, knee prosthesis 140 of FIGS. 25-28, knee prosthesis 160 of FIGS. 29-31, knee prosthesis 190 of FIGS. 32-37, knee prosthesis 220 of FIGS. 38 and 39, knee prosthesis 238 of FIGS. 40-44, knee prosthesis 260 of FIGS. 45 and 46, knee prosthesis 280 of FIGS. 47-50, and/or knee prosthesis 300 of FIGS. 51-53.

Femoral component 322 of knee prosthesis 320 includes medial condyle 326 and a lateral condyle (not shown). As shown in FIG. 54, medial condyle 326 includes a substantially concave anterior portion 328 and a substantially convex posterior portion 330. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the lateral condyle (not shown) may be shaped as shown in FIG. 54, while medial condyle 326 may be entirely convex. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that both the lateral condyle (not shown) and medial condyle 326 may be shaped as shown in FIG. 54.

Tibial component 324 of knee prosthesis 320 includes medial articulating surface 332 and a corresponding lateral articulating surface (not shown). Medial articulating surface 332 has a substantially convex anterior portion 334 and a substantially concave posterior portion 336. Convex anterior portion 334 of medial articulating surface 332 of tibial component 324 corresponds in curvature to concave anterior portion 328 of medial condyle 326 of femoral component 322. Similarly, concave posterior portion 336 of medical articulating surface 332 of tibial component 324 corresponds in curvature to convex posterior portion 330 of medial condyle 326 of femoral component 322.

With the knee joint in extension, as shown in FIG. 54, femoral component 322 bears primarily against convex anterior portion 334 of tibial component 324, with concave anterior portion 328 of medial condyle 326 resting against convex anterior portion 334 of medial articulating surface 332. These surfaces cooperate to limit anterior movement of tibia 12 relative to femur 10. As a result, knee prosthesis 320 provides additional stability to the knee joint when the knee joint is in extension.

As the knee joint enters flexion, as shown in FIG. 55, concave anterior portion 328 of medial condyle 236 disengages convex anterior portion 334 of tibial component 324, allowing the remaining ligaments in the knee joint to drive rotation of femoral component 322 relative to tibial component 324. Femoral component 322 bears primarily against concave posterior portion 336 of tibial component 324, with convex posterior portion 330 of medial condyle 326 resting against concave posterior portion 336 of medial articulating surface 332.

As discussed above, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to combine features of knee prosthesis 40 of FIGS. 8-13, knee prosthesis 40′ of FIGS. 56 and 57, knee prosthesis 70 of FIGS. 14-17, knee prosthesis 90 of FIGS. 18-19, knee prosthesis 110 of FIGS. 20 and 21, knee prosthesis 110′ of FIGS. 22-24, knee prosthesis 140 of FIGS. 25-28, knee prosthesis 160 of FIGS. 29-31, knee prosthesis 190 of FIGS. 32-37, knee prosthesis 220 of FIGS. 38 and 39, knee prosthesis 238 of FIGS. 40-44, knee prosthesis 260 of FIGS. 45 and 46, knee prosthesis 280 of FIGS. 47-50, knee prosthesis 300 of FIGS. 51-53, and/or knee prosthesis 320 of FIGS. 54 and 55. Specifically, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to combine an intercondylar feature of one of the disclosed knee prostheses with a condylar feature of another one of the disclosed knee prostheses. Also, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to combine an anterior stabilizing feature of one of the disclosed knee prostheses with a rotation-driving feature of another one of the disclosed knee prostheses. For example, an exemplary knee prosthesis may include the anterior stabilizing feature of knee prosthesis 220 of FIGS. 38 and 39 (i.e., crossbar 230 and tibial eminence 232) and the rotation-driving feature of knee prosthesis 140 of FIGS. 27 and 28 (i.e., tibial component 144 having a concave anterior section 154 and a concave posterior section 156 separated by inflection point 158).

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A knee prosthesis that articulates between a substantially extended position and a flexed position, the substantially extended position defined as including full extension up to approximately 20° of knee flexion, the knee prosthesis comprising: a femoral component including a medial condyle having an inner surface and a lateral condyle having an inner surface, a distance between the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles increasing as the knee prosthesis articulates from the substantially extended position to the flexed position, and a radius of curvature of one or both of the medial and lateral condyles decreasing in size in a posterior direction; and a tibial component including a medial surface configured for contact with at least a portion of the medial condyle of the femoral component, a lateral surface configured for contact with at least a portion of the lateral condyle of the femoral component, and a central eminence extending proximally from the tibial component and projecting between the medial and lateral condyles of the femoral component in both the substantially extended position and the flexed position, the central eminence having a proximal end spaced from the femoral component in both the substantially extended position and the flexed position, the central eminence having less contact with the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles when the knee prosthesis is in the flexed position than when the knee prosthesis is in the substantially extended position such that the femoral and tibial components are more constrained, due to contact between the central eminence and the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles, against movement relative to each other when the knee prosthesis is in the substantially extended position than when the knee prosthesis is in the flexed position, wherein the movement of the femoral and tibial components relative to each other includes a rotational movement of the femoral component relative to the tibial component about an axis that is medially offset from a center of the knee prosthesis, and the medial and lateral condyles of the femoral component and the medial and lateral surfaces of the tibial component continue to drive rotation of the femoral component relative to the tibial component about the axis as the knee prosthesis articulates from the substantially extended position to the flexed position.
 2. The knee prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the movement of the femoral and tibial components relative to each other includes at least one of: an anterior movement of the tibial component relative to the femoral component; and a lateral movement of the femoral component relative to the tibial component, and whereby the knee prosthesis resists the movement to a greater extent when the knee prosthesis is in the substantially extended position than when the knee prosthesis is in the flexed position.
 3. The knee prosthesis of claim 1, wherein a width of the medial and lateral condyles decreases in size in a posterior direction.
 4. The knee prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles cooperate to form a triangular shaped opening therebetween at an anterior end of the inner surfaces; and the central eminence has a substantially triangular cross-section at an anterior end of the central eminence that conforms to the triangular shaped opening between the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles.
 5. A knee prosthesis that articulates between a substantially extended position and a flexed position, the substantially extended position defined as including full extension up to approximately 20° of knee flexion, the knee prosthesis including an axis that is medially offset from a center of the knee prosthesis, the knee prosthesis comprising: a femoral component including a medial condyle having an inner surface and a lateral condyle having an inner surface, the medial and lateral condyles decreasing in size in a posterior direction, a distance between the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles increasing as the knee prosthesis articulates from the substantially extended position to the flexed position, and a radius of curvature of one or both of the medial and lateral condyles decreasing as the knee prosthesis articulates from the substantially extended position to the flexed position; and a tibial component including a medial surface sized to receive the medial condyle of the femoral component, a lateral surface sized to receive the lateral condyle of the femoral component, and a central eminence extending proximally from the tibial component and projecting between the medial and lateral condyles of the femoral component in both the substantially extended position and the flexed position, the central eminence having a proximal end spaced from the femoral component in both the substantially extended position and the flexed position, the central eminence having less contact with the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles when the knee prosthesis is in the flexed position than when the knee prosthesis is in the substantially extended position, the femoral and tibial components being more constrained, due to contact between the central eminence and the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles, against at least one of the following movements when the knee prosthesis is in the substantially extended position than when the knee prosthesis is in the flexed position: a rotational movement of the femoral component relative to the tibial component about the axis; an anterior movement of the tibial component relative to the femoral component; and a lateral movement of the femoral component relative to the tibial component, whereby the knee prosthesis resists at least one of the rotational movement, the anterior movement, and the lateral movement to a greater extent when the knee prosthesis is in the substantially extended position than when the knee prosthesis is in the flexed position, and wherein the medial and lateral condyles of the femoral component and the medial and lateral surfaces of the tibial component continue to drive rotation of the femoral component relative to the tibial component about the axis for the rotational movement of the femoral component relative to the tibial component as the knee prosthesis articulates from the substantially extended position to the flexed position.
 6. The knee prosthesis of claim 5, wherein the femoral component includes a barrier, the central eminence of the tibial component engaging the barrier of the femoral component when the knee prosthesis is in the substantially extended position to limit the anterior movement.
 7. The knee prosthesis of claim 5, wherein the central eminence of the tibial component limits the rotational movement when the knee prosthesis is in the substantially extended position.
 8. The knee prosthesis of claim 7, wherein the central eminence has a decreasing width in a posterior direction so that the central eminence has less contact with the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles as the knee prosthesis articulates from the substantially extended position to the flexed position thereby reducing constraint on the femoral and tibial components.
 9. The knee prosthesis of claim 5, wherein the knee prosthesis transitions from the more constrained, substantially extended position to the less constrained, flexed position between approximately 10° and 30° of knee flexion.
 10. The knee prosthesis of claim 5, wherein a width of the medial and lateral condyles decreases in size in a posterior direction.
 11. The knee prosthesis of claim 5, wherein constraint of the femoral and tibial components is gradually reduced due to contact between the central eminence and the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles decreasing as the knee prosthesis articulates from the substantially extended position to the flexed position.
 12. The knee prosthesis of claim 5, wherein the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles cooperate to form a triangular shaped opening therebetween at an anterior end of the inner surfaces.
 13. The knee prosthesis of claim 12, wherein the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles are flat at the anterior end of the inner surfaces.
 14. The knee prosthesis of claim 12, wherein the central eminence has a substantially triangular cross-section at an anterior end of the central eminence that conforms to the triangular shaped opening between the inner surfaces of the medial and lateral condyles. 